EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCaitlin Clark will serve as the grand marshal of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, race officials announced Tuesday.The Indiana Fever star will give the traditional command for drivers to report to their cars before the 110th edition at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway."I'm honored to represent Gainbridge as Grand Marshal of the Indy 500," Clark said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to experiencing an iconic piece of what makes Indiana so special and being part of the time-honored tradition of 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.'"Clark's basketball schedule had prevented the former Iowa star from previously participating in race week activities.Last May, the Fever played a home game the day before a rare Indianapolis 500-Indiana Pacers race day doubleheader. They also played on race weekend during her rookie season in 2024. This week, though, they host the expansion Portland Fire on Wednesday and Golden State on Friday before getting a six-day break.Clark was the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft after setting the all-time NCAA record for career points. She was named Rookie of the Year and is a two-time All-Star."Since being drafted by the Fever, fans have been clamoring to share the epic celebration and thrilling excitement of Indy 500 Race Day with Caitlin," INDYCAR and IMS president J. Douglas Boles said in a statement. "Through our incredible partnership with Gainbridge, everyone joining us for the world's largest single-day spectator sporting event will get to do just that. Caitlin will bring unique energy and presence to a quintessentially Hoosier experience and an absolutely bucket list global sporting spectacle."Past grand marshals have included Tamika Catchings, Peyton Manning, Larry Bird, Reggie Miller and President Gerald Ford.Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
